Just as there are human growth stages from infancy to childhood to adolescence to adulthood, so it is with a woman’s seasons of life. I have come to realize that each decade is a distinct season in my life that should be celebrated. As I look back, I actually see beauty in each season—I call them “beauty-full seasons of life”. 

Taking a look back and reflecting on all the good things that have happened in my life has put things into a beautiful perspective. Here are my reflections for each decade, each beauty-full season for which I am abundantly grateful. 

Teens - Teen years were years I wondered why mom and dad were so protective and if I would ever “be free” from their protective hold, but all the restrictions were necessary guardrails to mature me and prepare me for what God had planned. During that time, I grew in wisdom and stature and I’m grateful that by the age of 17, they realized I was ready to fly on my own and they let me go study abroad for a year (thousands of miles away). After that year, I returned home and they were ever more convinced that I could go back, and that time I stayed away from home for 20 years. The educational foundation I received molded me to become the mature, responsible adult they wanted me to be. 

20’s - This decade was a decade of discovering my identity in Christ, a season of growth, inspired by limitless dreams. I helped my siblings through college. I was proposed marriage, which I kindly declined. That season was a season of growing in the Lord and finding contentment as a single, as I unwaveringly focused on the Lord. I traveled to distant lands, served in ministry and pursued my dream of fulfilling a professional secular career where I constantly shared the Gospel.  

30’s - The 30’s brought unexpected surprises as I fulfilled my lifelong dream of continuing my education and obtaining an MBA. I reached my “American Dream” by buying a brand-new house, a brand-new car, and everything for the house. Then, shortly after, God called me to full-time ministry at the age of 33 and I had to leave everything behind. Those years in ministry were just preparation for what I would be doing in my forties. It is in this decade that I moved to the Middle East to serve the least reached people in the 10/40 Window. 

40’s - This decade was a season of learning to completely surrender to the Lord. It was marked by some times of great joy and some disappointments. There were some waves of desiring to finally get married and then wondering if I ever will. This decade was also marked by times of learning to forgive and heal and a lot of time of waiting on the Lord. It was a season of fully trusting God that His plans for me are much greater than the ones I dream for myself. 

50’s - I haven’t reached the jubilee season yet, but I know that as always God has great things in store for me. 

Whether we realize it or not, our lives are marked out by seasons. Understanding the season that we are in is very crucial for us to live an abundant, satisfying life so we can thrive rather than flounder.  

Take time to reflect on your beauty-full seasons. The more you are grateful for your seasons, the more you will enjoy life and start recognizing God’s sovereign hand at work through every season of your life.